Whereas the United States honors Betty Shabazz as a wife,
mother, educator, and advocate for civil and human rights, women, and the
poor;
Whereas Betty Shabazz, through her life and deeds, has
been an inspiration to people around the world;
Whereas Betty Shabazz was a woman of strength, resilience,
perseverance, and grace who overcame the greatest of challenges;
Whereas Betty Shabazz was born Betty Sanders in Detroit,
Michigan, on May 28, 1936;
Whereas Betty Shabazz met and married the controversial
activist and leader El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) in New York in
1958;
Whereas on February 21, 1965, while pregnant with twins,
Betty Shabazz and their four daughters witnessed Malcolm X's
assassination;
Whereas Betty Shabazz exhibited her resiliency and
determination as a single mother, raising and educating her six daughters,
Attallah, Qubilah, Ilyasah, Gamilah, and twins Malikah and Malaak;
Whereas Betty Shabazz found the time to become certified
as a registered nurse, and to later earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees and,
finally, a doctorate in education administration from the University of
Massachusetts;
Whereas Betty Shabazz joined the administrative staff of
Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, rising to high positions;
Whereas, while preserving the public memory of her late
husband, Betty Shabazz earned a reputation of her own, as an educator, public
speaker, and advocate for women, education, and civil and human rights;
Whereas on June 23, 1997, Betty Shabazz succumbed to
injuries suffered in a tragic fire;
Whereas Betty Shabazz personified the roles of wife,
mother, and professional woman; and
Whereas Betty Shabazz will be forever remembered for her
love of family, her commitment to humankind, and for the joy and laughter she
brought to all those who knew her: Now, therefore, be it
That Congress honors the life of
Betty Shabazz.